Courtney Lynn Kendall, 24, of Slidell, Louisiana, lost her life as a result of a tragic car crash caused by an intoxicated driver in Chico, California, January 30, 2022. She was the daughter and only child of Terry “TK” Kendall II and Tanya Steckler Kendall of Slidell, LA. Courtney was born November 14, 1997.



Courtney was a graduate of Slidell High School and was named salutatorian of her 2016 graduating class; she was an Honors Student and remained on the honor roll throughout her education. An amazing tennis athlete, Courtney was named most valuable player each of her four years at Slidell High.



An exceptional student, Courtney was named to the Dean’s List at Louisiana State University and was scheduled to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in May 2022, in Dietetic Sports Nutrition. During her first year at LSU, Courtney (PC ’16) pledged to the Delta Zeta Sorority. She was going to pursue a master’s degree at Florida State University, where she was hoping for an internship in her field; a rare honor to be accepted in both the university program and an internship at the same time.



Courtney was loved by family and hundreds of friends. She is survived by her paternal grandfather, Terry W. Kendall of Slidell, LA; her uncle, Clifford Kendall (Dawn) of Slidell, LA; and her aunt, Stephanie Kendall of Slidell, LA. She is survived by her maternal aunt, Stacey Steckler LeBlanc (Joseph) of Metairie, LA, and Uncle Steven A. Steckler (Tracy) of Carriere, MS.



She is preceded in death by her paternal grandmother, Janet Canal Kendall of Slidell, LA; her maternal grandparents, Arthur Steckler III and Gilda Kettenring Steckler of Metairie, LA; and maternal uncle, Todd Steckler of Slidell, LA.



An outgoing and gregarious young lady, Courtney enjoyed spending time with her family and many friends. She traveled around the country for sporting events, performing arts events and just to experience life at its fullest, while never taking her eye off her future. She enjoyed shopping for herself and others and was always current on the latest trends. Courtney cared for others and was always willing to lend a hand to help a young student navigate the complexities of life at LSU or a friend going through a difficult time in life.



Courtney was with her dear friend, Cassie Tejeda, 22, when they lost their lives. Both were inseparable and in fact, they traveled many miles around the country together, including Las Vegas, Disney World in Orlando, San Francisco, Houston, and other popular cities.



Courtney and her parents spent a few years in TK’s home state of Indiana after Hurricane Katrina, where she developed new friendships and grew closer to her Indiana family. Courtney is also survived by her favorite canine, “Dewey,” a shichon, who has been with her since he was adopted in Indiana in 2008.



Courtney had repeatedly stated her mother, Tanya, was her overall best friend, and one of her best friends had remarked that Courtney was ‘so lucky to have her parents and their bond was unmatched.’ She was her father’s (TK) shadow and best cheerleader during his Lakeshore High School basketball games. He is the varsity basketball coach and a teacher for St. Tammany Parish Schools.



Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 12, 2022 at Audubon Funeral Home in Slidell. A celebration of life service, officiated by Rev. Jai Haulk (cousin to TK Kendall) from The Crossing Christian Church, Batavia, OH, will begin in the chapel at 11:00 a.m. Courtney will be laid to rest in Forest Lawn Cemetery following services. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D.) @ (https://www.madd.org/donate-now). Memories and condolences may be expressed at www.AudubonFuneralHome.com